Big Chief Band returns to Grafton roots at Wednesday concert
After a rain out in 2018 and a COVID-19 cancellation in 2019, The Big Chief Band will bring their special brand of rhythm and blues to Nelson Park in North Grafton on Wednesday Aug 18 at 6:30 pm. The Grafton Summer Concert Series is sponsored and organized by the Grafton Department of Recreation.
The band’s name is inspired by the “Chiefs” of the renowned New Orleans “Krews” who display their floats at Madi Gras. Big lead vocals, driving lead guitar, a solid rhythm section, full speed ahead saxophone, and keys to tie it all together is the perfect mix for this group of seasoned musicians. Big Chief plays the music of some of America’s great rhythm and blues artists while displaying their versatility by offering up some jump swing, rock and roll, reggae and even a country tune or two.
The band’s drummer, Joe Baskowski, grew up in Grafton and although he has not lived in Grafton for some time, he still has many friends and family in town. His sister Carol owns and operates the Grafton Country Store. As a young teenager in the mid 1960’s Joe was in a band with other Grafton teenagers. “The Unknowns” practiced in the basement of the Unitarian Church and played teen dances at what is now the gymnasium at the Grafton Senior Center, the Great Hall which used to be the Town Hall in Grafton Center, and the “Canteen” which was in the basement of the Baptist Church.
Fast forward to 2009. Joe was in a band, the “Danelectros” with his brother Jeff, a long time Grafton resident and several other “Graftonites.” Jeff was an accomplished musician, equally proficient at playing saxophone, piano, and flute. Jeff played in several jazz ensembles, and taught music theory and piano to many Grafton youngsters. When Jeff passed away from esophageal cancer, Joe wanted to do something to keep his brother’s musical spirit alive. So, he started the Jeff Baskowski Memorial Scholarship Fund which is still awarded every year to a Grafton High School senior who “displays a passion for music.”
To launch the scholarship, Joe reached out to some of the best musicians he knew and put together a “Music Night in Grafton” held at the Grafton Inn. It was only supposed to be a one-night show, but it was so well received that “Music Night in Grafton” became a much-anticipated annual event right up until the pandemic of 2019. It was also the birth of “The Big Chief Band,” and the band continues to gain in popularity, playing venues, community events and private parties in Worcester and Middlesex County ever since.
The Big Chief Band will play at Nelson Park, 6 Prentice Street, North Grafton, Wednesday August 18 at 6:30pm as part of The Grafton Summer Concert Series, sponsored and organized by the Grafton Department of Recreation.
This is a free, family-friendly show, weather permitting, with no rain date.
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